Spiritual Identity

Student Learning Result: Spirituality

Students will understand and respect Christianity and other religions and will identify and develop their own spiritual identity.

HKIS R1 – R12 Religious Education Philosophy Statement

Beliefs: Religious Education

HKIS is grounded in the Christian faith and is respectful of the spiritual lives of all. The Christian faith is a response to the redemptive grace and love found in Jesus Christ, and recognizes that each student is a precious child of God. Respect and understanding of diverse religious beliefs is vital for harmonious living in our local and global communities. Students will be able to independently use their learning in Religious Education to:

1. Live according to positive values, including ethical conduct, compassion, respect and service.

2. Identify and participate authentically in a spiritual community.

3. Engage respectfully with others in dialogue about spiritual and religious topics.

4. Seek to understand and to live in harmony with others of different spiritual or religious perspectives.

We agree that Religious Education happens best we provide opportunities for students to:

1. Engage in open conversations about spiritual and religious questions.

2. Continue to develop their personal spiritual identity.

3. Develop a mindset of empathy and service and, in tangible ways use their talents and abilities to meet needs in the world.

The Spiritual Community

HKIS supports an educational climate that nurtures spiritual growth and development for faculty and students. Founded in 1966 in the Lutheran tradition of Christianity, HKIS recognizes that it is serving a religiously diverse community. We seek to create an accepting and inviting educational community where each individual’s spiritual identity can stretch and grow. HKIS believes this happens through an atmosphere of active conversation and discussion about spiritual matters, worldviews, the big questions of life, personal understandings of God, and reflection upon personal life experiences.

The purpose of these conversations is to recognize and discuss diverse beliefs and understandings rather than convert others to a particular religion or worldview. Some opportunities for spiritual nurture are in the classrooms, on the fields, on the stage, in High School Community Gatherings, during the Interim experience, and participating in service activities.

Fellowship

The High School regularly meets together in a Community Gathering. This is an opportunity to reflect on our individual and collective sense of spiritual identity. We meet in our Pastoral Care/ Homeroom Groups (PCHGs) providing opportunity for students to engage in conversation about the spiritual focus of the school community.

We believe that teenagers thrive in the company of trusted adults and supportive networks of friends. The FISH club is one way for students to participate in Christian fellowship at HKIS. We openly welcome students to create and maintain faith groups that support their unique beliefs.

HKIS Working Definition of Spirituality

A journey of reverence which explores the meaning of our lives and connections with other people and God.

“Religiously Educated Person”

“What do we really mean when we say a person is a religiously educated person?

… Should be one who is capable of making a personal commitment in the midst of pluralistic beliefs and life stances and is, at the same time, ready to enter into genuine dialogue with people of other cultures and other religious traditions so as to learn to live in harmony with them”.

Peter Ng – Chinese University – “Religious Education Journal”, Fall 1993